William Walter Pudge Heffelfinger Yale Signed Type 1 Original 8x10 Photo PSA DNA
$3,495.00
The legendary William Walter "Pudge" Heffelfinger (1867-1954), who played at Yale University, was the best lineman of his era and the first-ever American football professional. Presented is a circa 1936 Pudge Heffelfinger original Type I, signed and inscribed photo as he poses in the middle with Larry Kelley (in a Yale baseball uniform) to his right and Olympic great Eddie Eagan on his left.
Heffelfinger, who grew up in Minnesota, actually played some games of college football at the University when he was still in high school. Recruited by Yale, he played guard at 6'3", 195 lbs., really big for his time. Heffelfinger was coached at Yale by the immortal Walter Camp in four seasons, from 1888-91. During Pudge's career at Yale, the Eli squad lost a total of only two games. His 1888 team was not only undefeated and untied, but it was also unscored upon and defeated its opponents by a combined score of 698-0. Heffelfinger was a consensus 3-time All-American (1889-91) at Yale, and a selection to Walter Camp's All-Time All-American Team. Pudge became American football's first professional in 1892 when he was paid $500 (equivalent to approx. $18,000 today) to play one game, on Nov. 12, 1892, for the Allegheny Athletic Association, defeating the Pittsburgh Athletic Association by 4-0. The game was won by a touchdown, which counted as four points at that time and resulted in Heffelfinger's team winning by 4-0. Who scored the game's only points? Naturally, Heffelfinger, on a recovered fumble. In 1951, Heffelfinger was elected to the inaugural class of the college Football Hall of Fame.
The offered photo measures 8x10". He signed and inscribed the photo in blue ink, writing: "Some Trio Kelley/Heffelfinger/Eagan/Signed By Will 'Pudge' Heffelfinger." Since Heffelfinger passed away in 1954, his autograph is rare, and this is one of the only signed Heffelfinger 8x10" images, and it's a beauty. The signed and inscribed photo has been encapsulated and PSA CERTIFIED as "Type I AUTHENTIC."
Bin #21
